Driving the latest Volkswagen Tiguan: is this the best family car you can buy?
January 21, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
We get behind the wheel of the new Volkswagen Tiguan to find out if it’s still as good an all-rounder as its predecessor.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes all the things which were good about the old model and improves them ever so slightly. It’s spacious, well-equipped, and versatile, ticking many boxes if you’re in the market for a family SUV.
The Tiguan’s redesign is subtle but effective, with sleek LED headlights and a modernised full-width black panel at the front, paired with a similar light bar at the rear. While undeniably classy, it’s not the most stylish option compared to flashier alternatives like the Kia Sportage. Think elegant understatement rather than head-turning drama.
Inside, the Tiguan has taken cues from VW’s electric models such as the ID4, boasting a 12.9-inch touchscreen as standard. The user interface is smartphone-inspired, with homescreens, widgets, and shortcuts, but the touchscreen-based climate controls are fiddly. Materials feel premium, with plenty of soft-touch plastics, although a BMW X1 nudges ahead in outright luxury. Thankfully, VW has ditched its much-criticised touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons for proper tactile controls.
Space is where the Tiguan truly shines. The 652-litre boot dwarfs most rivals, making items such as prams, suitcases, and sports kit all easy to stow. The rear seats offer a 40:20:40 split, sliding and reclining capabilities, and a clever centre armrest with some handy cupholders. ISOFIX points, wide-opening rear doors, and thoughtful features like felt-lined storage bins enhance its family-friendly credentials. Whether for holidays or the school run, the Tiguan has you covered.
Currently available with petrol and diesel engines, the Tiguan also offers a plug-in hybrid boasting an impressive 62-mile electric-only range. This puts it ahead of most competitors like the Kia Sportage PHEV (40 miles). The plug-in version will suit company car drivers with its low Benefit-in-Kind tax and reduced running costs if regularly charged.
Driving the Tiguan is pleasant, if not thrilling. Around town, it’s manoeuvrable, with light steering and suspension that cushions bumps well. On motorways, it’s refined, but road noise can creep in, especially with larger wheels. Push it down a twisty road, and while it grips well, its light steering lacks the feedback for an engaging drive. Comfort, rather than sportiness, is its forte.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a superbly practical and polished family SUV, ideal for those prioritising space, refinement, and ease of use. However, it’s pricier than rivals like the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq, and its understated looks may not appeal to all. For families needing a capable all-rounder, it’s a solid choice. Best? Perhaps not – but very, very good.
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